He reportedly visited the Enstone factory for two days last week, most likely to discuss a reserve role, but the Telegraph claims Maldonado’s position at Renault could be under threat. Here are a few reasons why that might be the case.

1. Issues with PVDSA

Maldonado has long been sponsored by Venezuela’s state oil firm PDVSA, providing a considerable amount of money for him to drive in F1 – hence why he is often referred to as a “pay driver”. But recent corruption scandals, lower oil prices and political uncertainty have put Maldonado’s sponsorship at risk. Plus, the BBC reports that PDVSA’s payment of around £35million is several weeks overdue.

2. Does Renault need sponsorship?

But the question is, now Lotus has been taken over by Renault, is a sponsor providing such a big sum really necessary? Without PDVSA, the team would still have a healthy budget and keep on going in F1. It wouldn’t be a threat to its involvement in the sport, that’s for sure.

Lotus was sold back to Renault for just £1, but of course the French manufacturer then took on and had to pay off the considerable debts it had built up. Now those at the team have the security they need and that shouldn’t change if a big sponsor like PDVSA disappears.

3. Magnussen is a talented chap

Kevin Magnussen has certainly not been given the opportunities he deserves in F1. He made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2014, scoring a podium on his debut and regularly matching and beating team-mate Jenson Button.

Fernando Alonso’s arrival demoted the Dane to the reserve driver role and with opportunities at McLaren drying up, he decided to part ways at the end of 2015. Now he is on the hunt for a fresh start and he is certainly an attractive option for teams – young, but clearly very quick and already with experience under his belt. Surely he would be a better option than Maldonado?

4. Lack of results

Maldonado has scored a victory in Formula 1. He has proved several times he has speed and some talent. But he just makes too many mistakes and fails to perform too often. He scored 27 points in 2015 compared to Lotus team-mate Romain Grosjean’s 51 and has, of course, developed a reputation as an error-prone, hot-headed driver. Magnussen could be a much safer pair of hands for Renault.

5. Spare parts bill